• Guiding Philosophy
  
• DMs and Staff
  
• Required files
  
• Character Creation Guide
  
• Server Rules
  
• Community Rules
  

Getting Started

• If you haven't already, install Neverwinter Nights 2 with the Expansion Packs Mask of the Betrayer and Storm of Zehir, run updater to make sure game is patched to v1.23.1765, aka 1.23+.
  
• Download and place required files as instructed here: Required files
  
• Run Neverwinter Nights 2 w/ Expansions. We HIGHLY RECOMMEND you use the NWN2 community contributer Skywing has developed a NWN2 Client Extension (currently at version 20) that enhances the experience of playing on a persistent world and resolves some long-standing bugs in the game. Follow the instructions provided to install and set up the Client Extension.
  
• Select 'Play' from the main menu.
  
• Select 'Multiplayer' from the second menu.
  
• Click 'Get A New Account' if you do not already have one; or login to your existing account.
  

Connecting With DirectConnect

• Usually best to use direct connect to ip address: 65.87.19.123
  
• Click on the button labeled "Direct Connect" and enter any (just one) of the following:
  
• 65.87.19.123 <<- Recommended method: Direct connect to ip address
  
• game.nwnhaven.com
  
• g.nwnhaven.com
  

Connecting From Gamespy

• Depending on where you are on the network and the paths to get the server, for a rare few connecting through gamespy might be better than direct connect.
  
• On the left side of the multiplayer window, you will see a series of words: "Roleplay", "PW Action", "PW Story", "Alternative", and the like. Click on "Social".
  
• A list of servers will fill the large middle box. Look for and select the Haven entry, and click "Join Game" at the bottom of the page.
  

Once Connected

• If everything has been set up correctly, you will be presented with the Autodownloader screen. At this point, the game will begin downloading any files that have been recently updated. Please read through the Server Info, Server News and Server Rules while these downloads are in progress.
  
• Create your character and you're ready to play! Don't forget to peruse the Character Creation Guide. And a couple of warnings for new players:
  
• DO NOT take a fictional characters name verbatim. Some leeway for common enough names, for example I have not given "Simon Templar" a hard time.
  
• DO NOT take the name of Realms "Canon" character. Do not want to see PCs with names like Elminster or Artemis Entreri running about. Although tying oneself to existing houses and families can sometimes be very useful for anchoring a character into the setting, although often needs to be done with unusal character background requests.
  
• DO NOT use '133t speak names, color coding or noble titles in your name.
  
• DO NOT start the game with an Unusual Background, like powerful, a noble title, relation to realms canon character, god or demon.
  
• Any of the above DO NOTs can potentially lead to character loss.
  
• If you have any questions, Neiska made a looong list to help you all check it out: http://nwnhaven.com/content/starting-out-haven-beginners-guide-paradise